Sam Varga

A sad song that feels good. That’s what Sam Varga created with his newest single “Long Way Back”. Co-written with Caroline Romano and Corey Mouch, “Long Way Back” is about staying too long in the wrong relationship.

“I was with someone special for a long time, but deep down, I always knew it wasn’t right,” he shares. “One day, you wake up miserable, wondering how you got there. I think we’ve all been in something we knew wasn’t for us. The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave—and the longer it takes to find your way back. It’s like missing your exit on the highway and watching it disappear in the rearview, getting further and further away. Eventually, you have to tear yourself away to save yourself.”

After releasing a promising debut album Shadow Work released in 2024, Sam Varga is now digging into his alt-country/folk roots with his new music. A new chapter.

“Long Way Back” is now available worldwide.

Hi Sam, how are you? What's your story?

Hey! I’m Sam Varga and I’m a singer and songwriter based in Nashville and originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I grew up in a DIY punk/emo scene in Louisville and found my way to Nashville after college. I figured it was a “safe bet” because songwriting had always been my favorite part of playing music in a band. I write for a bunch of other country, pop, rock, and EDM artists as well. This year I’m hoping to release at least 7 singles and 2 EPs!

"Long Way Back" is your latest single - what's the inspiration behind this song?

I was in a 4-year relationship that lasted probably 3 years too long. And the longer you stay in those situations, the longer it takes to undo everything and get back to where you were and who you were before. But I didn't want to address it in a bitter or scornful way. It's just part of it. We fall in love. We try. It doesn't work. It's both people's fault and no one's fault at the same time.

Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it? When did you start working on it?

I wrote it with Caroline Romano (resident Nashville-pop bad-ass) and one of my favorite songwriters, and Corey Mouch, frontman of Southcourt (dirtiest new band in Nashville), who is one of the best dudes anyone could hope to meet. I just had this song idea for a long time, Corey had a mandolin on a desk, and that's kind of how it came to be.

What's your favorite lyric on "Long Way Back"?

“oh how we clung to the booze and the moonlight, hoping a fool's hope could ever survive..." For me, it's the most autobiographical line. Some people can have a beautiful relationship on the weekends and be completely compatible in a party scene or when you're having fun. But life isn't just the weekends.

What do you want people to feel when listening to it? What message do you want to deliver?

I want them to have to listen 3-4 times before they realize it's actually a really f*cking sad song, (laughs). I love songs like that. Happy music but sad lyrics. I think it's more powerful that way. If you can take your own sadness and turn it into other people's happiness. I hope listeners make it their favorite road trip song way before they catch the lyrics!

What can you tell us about the artwork?

Kyle Frary is a local tattoo artist in Nashville and has been banging out some incredible art for this year's project. I thought American classical tattoo art would be a great theme to keep going throughout this year and the EP rollout. He crushed it!

What are your thoughts on today's social media? How does it impact your career?

It was a great focus group tool for labels and the industry until the suits found out that virality doesn't equate to ticket sales and fans. Then, like most new avenues, it goes to a payola structure, and now music is oversaturated and under interacted with across platforms, so the algorithms don't even give you a chance. But that's the job. Post every day, play as many shows as possible, and don't go home.

What biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?

- Always have a full schedule

- Focus on fan building and nothing else

- Make sure your merch and posters are evergreen

- Always respond to your producers when they send you the song

- You can live off burritos

What's the best advice you've ever received?

There's too many artists. The only shot you have is saying something and being something that is uniquely you.

In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?

Term limits and prohibiting the owning/trading of stocks for sitting members of congress.

Any upcoming projects you'd like to tease?

There might be something called "The Fallout" people should be on the lookout for ;)